Becoming a resident - Finding accommodation in Monaco : The different sectors

To find accommodation in Monaco, it is important to know that the Principality is made up of four sectors, accessible under certain conditions, bearing in mind that the free sector is the only one dedicated to the whole population.

THE FREE SECTOR

Flats can be rented freely, without any special conditions, regardless of the nationality of the applicant.
The only reservation may be the level of resources of the applicant.
The duration of the lease as well as the amount of the rent are contractually fixed at the sole discretion of the lessor.
They mainly concern flats for residential use, located in buildings constructed after 1 September 1947.

THE REGULATED OR OLD SECTOR

The dwellings in this sector are divided into two groups and are located in buildings constructed or completed before 1 September 1947.

In the event of a sale, this area is subject to the State's right of pre-emption.

THE PROTECTED SECTOR

This sector is governed by Laws n. 1.235 of 28/12/2000 and 1.291 of 21/12/2004, relating to the conditions of rental of certain premises for residential use.

Their rental conditions must be approved by the Housing Department. The condition of residence in the Principality and the ceiling of resources will be required.

Rents are more affordable for tenants than in the open sector, as they are set by the state.

The lease contract is concluded for an above-average period of 6 years. This offers security to the tenant.
The latter has the possibility to terminate the contract during the course of the lease annually or, at the end of the lease, with a notice period of three months before its renewal.
The owner may terminate the contract, subject to six months' notice, if he intends to exercise his right of repossession under the conditions laid down by law.

These properties may only be rented to persons registered as protected persons, divided into the following categories

• Persons of Monegasque nationality;
• Persons of foreign nationality :
  • Born to a Monegasque parent or adopted by a person of Monegasque nationality and who can prove at least ten years' residence in the Principality;
  • Surviving spouses of a person of Monegasque nationality, not remarried ;
  • surviving partners of a person of Monegasque nationality who have lived in the Principality for at least ten years. The latter must not have concluded a new cohabitation contract, nor have they married or remarried;
  • Father or mother, ensuring the maintenance and education of a child of Monegasque nationality and whose domicile constitutes the child's habitual or occasional residence;
  • Father or mother who has been effectively responsible for a child of Monegasque nationality for at least ten years and who can prove that they have been resident in the Principality for at least ten years.

• Persons of foreign nationality, as defined as "Enfants du Pays" by the sole article of law n° 1.506 of 2 July 2021, recognising "Enfants du Pays" and their contribution to the development of the Principality of Monaco. One of their authors or adopters was also born in Monaco and resided there at the time of this birth/adoption.
• Persons of foreign nationality, as defined as "Enfants du Pays" by the sole article of law n° 1.506 of 2 July 2021, recognising "Enfants du Pays" and their contribution to the development of the Principality of Monaco;
• Persons of foreign nationality who have been resident in Monaco for at least forty years without interruption.

THE LIBERALISED SECTOR

This housing sector is governed by Law 887 of 25/06/1970.

Flats in this sector are intended to be rented to persons who have been domiciled in Monaco for at least five years and have been working there for more than six months or to persons who have been working in Monaco for at least five years.
People registered for the sheltered sector also have access to these flats.

The landlord will be obliged to grant the tenant a six-year lease, which can be terminated annually at the tenant's sole discretion. A rent indexation clause may be inserted in the lease.

The rental conditions must also be approved by the Housing Directorate, but the landlord is free to set the rent.

THE STATE SECTOR

This is housing belonging to the Monegasque State.

These flats are allocated exclusively to Monegasque nationals. Allocations are made according to an order of priority, resulting from an accumulation of points obtained in application of various objective criteria defined by Ministerial Decree.

REAL ESTATE ASSETS OF THE AUTONOMOUS PENSION FUND

The Caisse Autonome des Retraites also has a property portfolio in the Principality and in neighbouring communes. The latter is accessible to active Monegasque civil servants.
The rental conditions are issued by the Real Estate Department of the Autonomous Pension Fund.